Actually that was improper at the time for a woman to visit a man's room alone.
From the John Surratt trial here is Louis Weichmann's testimony about Mary Surratt's visit to Powell at the Herndon House. Nora Fitzpatrick also testified about Mary's visit to the Herndon House, so Weichmann has corroboration on his testimony. I would love to know what this visit was about, and it makes me even more doubtful as to her "poor eyesight" when Powell showed up the night she was arrested.
I'd give my wife's car to somehow go back in time and be in Powell's room to overhear the conversation between these two folks.
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Q. In going from any church ; I do not know the names of the churches
here?
A On Sundays she went to St. Aloysius. During Lent there were evening
services at St. Patrick's during week-days, and she went there.
Q. Did you go with her to church at any time, and returning, stop anywhere?
I do not remember the dates. You will give them.
A. Yes. sir. After the 27th, I do not remember the particular evening, Anna
Surratt, Miss Jenkins, Miss Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Surratt, and I, had been to St.
Patrick's church, on the corner of Tenth and F streets.
Q What occurred in returning?
A. On returning she stopped at the Hemdon House, at the comer of Ninth and
F streets. She went into the Hemdon House, and said that she was going in
there to see Payne.
Q. Mrs. Surratt said that?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Tell what occurred?
A. She did go, and she came out.
Q. How long was she in there?
A. Perhaps twenty minutes.
Q. Did you see her when she came out?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Where were you waiting?
A We walked down Ninth street to E— the party did — and down E to Tenth;
then returned to the comer of Ninth and F, and met Mrs. Surratt just as she
was coming out of the Hemdon House.
Q. Did she join you?
A. Yes, sir; and went home with us.
